Business leaders and managers hear a lot about workplace culture. While you might want to focus on things that are more tangible or directly connected to company goals, culture is important.
A toxic workplace culture can hurt productivity. It can also make it difficult to attract and retain quality employees. Negative workplace culture can also result in a number of other problems that might not be apparent until it’s too late.
Business owners and managers must also realize that a workplace culture will develop, whether you guide it or not. That means it’s better to take an active role in shaping the culture. That way, you can ensure a healthier workplace culture that is in line with company goals.
Define the Culture You Want
You can’t create a path to the culture you want without knowing what it looks like. That means you’ll need to take time to define the desired culture for the workplace. Consider the company values and mission you want people to follow. Think about the behaviors you want or do not want to see in the workplace. By clearly defining the company culture, you can develop the messaging and practices that will help you achieve it.
Assess the Current Workplace Culture
Once you have a clear picture of where you want your culture to go, you must take time to see where it currently is. Even if you weren’t intentional about culture up to this point, the people in the workplace would have naturally formed one. You need to take stock of the positive and negative to see what is working and what you must address.
It is important to note that this goes beyond surface-level dynamics. Dig deep into the collective beliefs employees share about the workplace and their roles in it. Assess behaviors and the norms that shape the daily workplace experience. Observation can be a part of it, but you might also consider employee surveys or individual interviews to learn more. You could also hold a group meeting to discuss the current state of the culture.
Hire the Right People
A strong vision for the desired culture is crucial, but you also need the right people. The people who live there express their cultures. That means hiring will play a critical role in shaping culture. Some people will fit better than others. During the recruitment phase, prioritize candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also embody the values and attitudes that align with the culture.
Beyond hiring the right people, a good onboarding strategy can help new hires integrate with the culture. It can be a way to teach and reinforce the company’s values. Provide new hires with a comprehensive introduction to the organization’s mission, vision, and core principles. Beyond that, you could assign someone to work with new hires in the beginning to help them fit in.
Focus on Communication
Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of a healthy workplace culture. Clear and open communication fosters trust, collaboration, and organizational alignment. Encourage regular dialogue among team members, managers, and leadership. Consider the tools and platforms you provide for communication and how well they serve the company and its culture. Whether through face-to-face meetings, digital platforms, or informal check-ins, prioritize communication as a means of sharing information, soliciting feedback, and building strong relationships throughout the workplace.
Employee Recognition
Acknowledging and appreciating employee contributions is essential for building a positive workplace culture. Employees who feel unappreciated will lack satisfaction, which can spread throughout the workplace. It starts with simple things like thanking employees for doing a good job or telling them you appreciate their work. You could also create a formal recognition program.
One idea is to create various awards you could give employees for their achievements. Depending on the company, there could be many options for trophies and awards. For example, awards for the highest output during a quarter could work. Awards for reaching various milestones can be effective. You could also create competitions that have a prize at the end.
Work On Team Building
Having a stronger, more cohesive team will result in a healthier culture. However, sharing a workplace doesn’t always result in a strong team. That means leaders should consider various team-building practices. Beyond daily practices to build stronger teams, you could organize activities to bring people together. Things like playing games together or sharing meals can help people connect and strengthen the workplace culture.
Employee Feedback
Your employees might know more about some aspects of the company culture than you do. Seek employee feedback and let them know you want to hear their concerns. You might also want to offer ways to submit feedback anonymously so they will feel more comfortable expressing their feelings.
However, it isn’t enough to simply ask for feedback. You must listen to what employees have to say and take action when necessary. Even if it is nothing more than telling employees you’ve heard the feedback, they need to know you’re listening. Otherwise, they might feel like it is a waste of time and that you don’t value their opinions.
As a final point, you must lead the culture shift in the workplace. The culture won’t stick if employees see leadership failing to reflect the desired change.
